Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has offered sage advice to Alan Kyerematen, the presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, urging him to focus on policy discussions and eschew politics of insults as he campaigns ahead of Ghana’s December 7 polls.
During a courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, October 2, Kyerematen sought the support of the people in the Ashanti region and introduced his running mate to the Asantehene. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, while pledging his support for Kyerematen’s vision, cautioned him against engaging in insults and personal attacks.
The revered traditional leader emphasized the importance of policy-centered campaigning, stating, “All I will say is that Alan Kyerematen is my grandson, and I will support his vision. I will urge you to clearly explain your policies to Ghanaians so they understand what you’re capable of. Focus on your campaign and your messages and desist from politics of insult.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II further stressed the need for political parties to properly explain their policies to the general public and to implement such policies when voted into office.
He warned that failure to do so would lead to voter apathy and erode confidence in the political process.
“People will be losing confidence in political parties if a majority of them say they will not take part in elections, and that will greatly affect the affairs of political parties,” he noted. “We are hoping that the political parties are able to implement their policies if they are given the nod, so there can be peace and stability in the country.”
In response, Kyerematen outlined his strategy to combat illegal mining, a pervasive issue in Ghana. He proposed ending government’s sole ownership of the country’s mineral resources and instead involving traditional leaders as gold trustees of mineral rights.
“As part of my policies, I will ensure that the government does not maintain the sole ownership of the country’s mineral resources,” Kyerematen explained. “I will make sure to involve the Chiefs as well, by making them the gold trustees of mineral rights in Ghana.”
The Asantehene’s counsel and Kyerematen’s policy proposals come at a critical juncture in Ghana’s electoral cycle, as political parties and candidates gear up for the December polls.
With the nation’s attention focused on the upcoming elections, leaders are urging politicians to prioritize substance over rhetoric and to engage in constructive dialogue.
